COMMON OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS

The operator should check all pumps and motors every day to insure proper operation. After spending a certain amount of time with these pumps and motors an operator should be able to tell just by listening to them whether they are working properly. The vast majority of pumping problems are either a result of improperly sizing a pump for the job or one of the three following operational problems.

CAVITATION

One of the most serious problems an operator will encounter is cavitation. It can be identified by a noise that sounds like marbles or rocks are being pumped. The pump may also vibrate and shake, to the point that piping is damaged in some severe cases. Cavitation occurs when the pump starts discharging water at a rate faster than it can be drawn into the pump. This situation is normally caused by the loss of discharge head pressure or an obstruction in the suction line. When this happens, a partial vacuum is created in the impeller causing the flow to become very erratic. These vacuum-created cavities are formed on the backside of the impeller vanes.

As the water surges into the impeller, the partial vacuum is destroyed and the cavities collapse, allowing the water to slam into the impeller vanes. These cavities form and collapse several hundred times a second. As they collapse, they draw the water behind them into the impeller at about 760 mph! The impact created by the water slamming into the impeller is so great that pieces of the impeller may be chipped away.

When cavitation occurs, immediate action must be taken to prevent the impeller, pump and motor bearings, and piping from being damaged. Cavitation can be temporarily corrected by throttling the discharge valve. This action prevents damage to the pump until the cause can be found and corrected. Remember that the discharge valve is there to isolate the pump, not control its flow. If it is left in a throttled position the valve face may become worn to the point that it won’t seal when the pump is isolated for maintenance.

Causes of Cavitation Include:
* Loss of discharge pressure due to open hydrants or line breaks
* Closed suction valve
* Obstruction in the suction line
* Low suction head due to drop in water level

AIR LOCKING

Air locking is another common problem with pumps. It is caused by air or dissolved gases that become trapped in the volute of the pump. As the gas collects, it becomes compressed and creates an artificial head pressure in the pump volute. As more air collects in the pump, the pressure will continue to build until shut off head is reached. Air locking is most often caused by leaks in the suction line. The failure of low-level cut-off switches, allowing air in from the wet well, may also cause air locking.

An air locked pump will overheat in a matter of minutes. The shut off head condition means that no water is moving through the pump. Vertical pumps that use internal leakage to cool packing may also experience packing ring failure, since the trapped air can prevent water from reaching the packing.

Air relief valves are used to prevent air locking. They are located on the highest point on the pump volute and automatically vent air as it accumulates in the pump. It is also a good idea to repair leaking gaskets and joints on the suction piping. If the pressure in the line drops below atmospheric pressure when the pump is running, air will leak in instead of water leaking out.

LOSS OF PRIME

Loss of prime happens when water drains out of the volute and impeller. The impeller can’t create any suction at the impeller eye unless it is filled with fluid. This occurs only when negative suction head conditions exist. Pumps that operate with negative suction lift are usually installed with a foot valve or check valve at the bottom of the suction pipe. This valve holds the water in the suction pipe and pump when the pump is off.

When a pump loses its prime it must be shut down, reprimed, and all the air bled out of the suction line before starting the pump again. Worn packing and a defective foot valve normally cause loss of prime. The best way to prevent loss of prime is to design a pump installation so that there is positive suction head on the pump.